1. Carolyn Blasdel
Research nurse, The Knight Cancer Institute
Linda Strahm submitted the following nomination…
OHSU received the following letter describing the outstanding care and dedication shown by Carolyn
to this patient.
I would like to tell you about a recent, and very positive, experience with OHSU and
specifically Carolyn, Brian’s Physician Assistant. I have continued on various clinical trials at
OHSU since my early involvement with Gleevec. Unfortunately, my leukemia has continued
to mutate but the care from Brian and his staff has truly been exemplary. Eight weeks ago I
started a new clinical trial for Ponatinib that required trips to Portland every two weeks. For
this trial I have been seeing Michael Mauro due to conflict of interest possibilities but Brian
and Carolyn are still my primary team. On my way out to Portland from Wisconsin last
week, I developed severe abdominal pain and had to be helped off the airplane. I left the
airport originally heading to the Arlington Club to see if the pain would pass, but decided on
the way, that I should head directly to OHSU. I called Carolyn, told her that I was in trouble,
and she dropped everything she was doing and met me as soon as I got to the clinic about
1:30 in the afternoon. Carolyn immediately knew what was wrong, acute pancreatitis, and
stuck by my side until I was formally diagnosed, and put in a room about 6:30 PM. I found
out later that she stayed at work until the wee hours of the morning to get ready for Brian’s
clinic the next day. Her continued follow through that night and over the next several days
were also outstanding. She is a huge part of Brian’s team and a truly special caregiver who
deserves recognition for her dedication and self-sacrifice for patient benefit. You should be
proud to have people like Carolyn on your staff. I know that I will always want her in my
corner as long as I am battling Leukemia.